A food security expert has called on scientists on the continent and across the globe to focus on research projects that will increase food production.
Speaking during the opening of a conference on food and nutrition in Naivasha on Monday, Dr Washington Ochola said Africa has a good climate that should spur food production.
He urged food scientists to intensify research and come up with crops that will adapt to the African climate in a bid to end food insecurity.
The expert blamed African governments, accusing them of failing to strategise their policies on food production.
“Our appeal is to the governments to ensure they implement policies that support food production. Researchers’ efforts should be geared towards food security and nutrition,” he added.
The five-day conference is meant to tackle persistent food insecurity on the continent. Over 100 top researchers and scientists are attending the conference. The participants drawn from several countries will discuss ways of increasing food security in developing countries.
The conference is jointly organised by the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute and the Canadian International Development Research Centre.